Thorium Dioxide Hazard Summary Identification

Common Name: THORIUM DIOXIDE

CAS Number: 1314-20-1 DOT Number: UN 2909 RTK Substance number: 1856 DOT Hazard Class: 7 (Radioactive) Date: May 1998 Revision: May 2007 ------

HAZARD SUMMARY * Thorium Dioxide can affect you when breathed in and from your employer. You have a legal right to this may be absorbed through the skin. information under the OSHA Access to Employee * Thorium Dioxide is a CARCINOGEN--HANDLE WITH Exposure and Medical Records Standard (29 CFR EXTREME CAUTION. 1910.1020). * Thorium Dioxide is broken down in the body into * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health radioactive substances. problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational * Thorium Dioxide may be contaminated with radioactive diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. Thorium. This could contaminate work surfaces and provide an ongoing radiation hazard and increasing future WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS risk of cancer. Exposure to radioactive materials is regulated by the Nuclear * Exposure can reduce the ability of the bone marrow to Regulatory Commission (NRC) and OSHA. Refer to the make white blood cells. NRC Standards for Protection Against Radiation Occupational * Low repeated exposures may scar the lungs. Dose Limits (10 CFR 20.1201) and the OSHA Ionizing * Exposure may damage the liver and kidneys. Radiation Standard (29 CFR 1910.1096). * After exposure, some Thorium Dioxide is retained in the bones and other body organs for many years. * Thorium Dioxide is a CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all IDENTIFICATION contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. * It should be recognized that Thorium Dioxide can be Thorium Dioxide is a heavy, white, crystalline (sand-like) powder. It is used in ceramics, in nuclear fuels, as a catalyst, absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your and in electrodes for arc welding. exposure.

REASON FOR CITATION WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Thorium Dioxide is on the Hazardous Substance List * Enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the because it is cited by DOT, NTP, DEP, IARC and EPA. site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. List because it is a CARCINOGEN. * A regulated, marked area should be established where * Definitions are provided on page 5. Thorium Dioxide is handled, used, or stored. * All processes involving Thorium Dioxide should be HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING mechanized, enclosed or automated. * When working with small quantities of Thorium Dioxide, EXPOSED use in a glove box. The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most employers * Wear protective work clothing. to label chemicals in the workplace and requires public * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Thorium employers to provide their employees with information and Dioxide and at the end of the workshift. training concerning chemical hazards and controls. The * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR addition, as part of an ongoing education and training 1910.1200) requires private employers to provide similar effort, communicate all information on the health and training and information to their employees. safety hazards of Thorium Dioxide to potentially exposed

workers. * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results

THORIUM DIOXIDE page 2 of 6

This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and potential and most severe health hazards that may result from present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance damage already done are not a substitute for controlling and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the exposure. potential effects described below. ------Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under the OSHA Access to Employee HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Exposure and Medical Records Standard (29 CFR 1910.1020).

Acute Health Effects Mixed Exposures The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur * Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung immediately or shortly after exposure to Thorium Dioxide: cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. * Exposure can reduce the ability of the bone marrow to Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will make white blood cells. reduce your risk of developing health problems. * Because more than light alcohol consumption can cause Chronic Health Effects liver damage, drinking alcohol can increase the liver The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at damage caused by Thorium Dioxide. some time after exposure to Thorium Dioxide and can last for months or years: WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES

Cancer Hazard Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous * Thorium Dioxide is a CARCINOGEN in humans. It has substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most been shown to cause lung cancer. effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also for causing reproductive damage in humans. reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is Reproductive Hazard sometimes necessary. * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Thorium In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: Dioxide has not been tested for its ability to affect (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the reproduction. substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether * Because Thorium Dioxide gives off very dangerous harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls radiation, it has the potential for causing reproductive should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when damage in humans. significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible.

Other Long-Term Effects In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Low repeated exposures may scar the lungs. * Exposure may damage the liver and kidneys. * Where possible, automatically transfer Thorium Dioxide * After exposure, some Thorium Dioxide is retained in the from drums or other storage containers to process bones, lymph system, lungs and other body organs for containers. many years. * Specific engineering controls and personnel monitoring are required by the NRC Standards for Protection Against MEDICAL Radiation (10 CFR 20) and the OSHA Ionizing Radiation Standards for Protection Against Radiation (29 CFR 1910.1096). Also check specific state regulations. Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous the following are recommended: exposures. The following work practices are recommended:

* White blood cell count * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by * Lung function tests Thorium Dioxide should change into clean clothing * Consider periodic chest x-ray for persons with potentially promptly. high or repeated lower exposure. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by following are recommended: individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Thorium Dioxide. * Liver and kidney function tests * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. THORIUM DIOXIDE page 3 of 6

* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that shower facilities should be provided. exposure to Thorium Dioxide does not occur. * On skin contact with Thorium Dioxide, immediately wash * At any exposure level, use a NIOSH approved supplied-air or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the respirator with a full facepiece operated in a pressure- workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have demand or other positive-pressure mode. For increased contacted Thorium Dioxide, whether or not known skin protection use in combination with an auxiliary self- contact has occurred. contained breathing apparatus operated in a pressure- * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Thorium Dioxide is demand or other positive-pressure mode. handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating, drinking, QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS applying cosmetics, smoking, or using the toilet. * Employees exposed to ionizing radiation should be Q: If I have acute health effects, will I later get chronic provided with personal monitoring equipment such as film health effects? badges or pocket dosimeters. A: Not always. Most chronic (long-term) effects result from * Use damp methods to control dust. repeated exposures to a chemical. * Test for trace levels of radioactivity after clean-up. Q: Can I get long-term effects without ever having short- PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT term effects? A: Yes, because long-term effects can occur from repeated WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN exposures to a chemical at levels not high enough to make PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for you immediately sick. some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace Q: What are my chances of getting sick when I have been controls are being installed), personal protective equipment exposed to chemicals? may be appropriate. A: The likelihood of becoming sick from chemicals is increased as the amount of exposure increases. This is The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR determined by the length of time and the amount of 1910.132) requires employers to determine the appropriate material to which someone is exposed. personal protective equipment for each hazard and to train employees on how and when to use protective equipment. Q: When are higher exposures more likely?

A: Conditions which increase risk of exposure include dust The following recommendations are only guidelines and may releasing operations (grinding, mixing, blasting, dumping, not apply to every situation. etc.), other physical and mechanical processes (heating, Clothing pouring, spraying, spills and evaporation from large surface areas such as open containers), and "confined * Avoid skin contact with Thorium Dioxide. Wear space" exposures (working inside vats, reactors, boilers, protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment small rooms, etc.). suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on

the most protective glove/clothing material for your Q: Is the risk of getting sick higher for workers than for operation. community residents? * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before A: Yes. Exposures in the community, except possibly in work. cases of fires or spills, are usually much lower than those found in the workplace. However, people in the

Eye Protection community may be exposed to contaminated water as well as to chemicals in the air over long periods. This * Wear eye protection with side shields or goggles. may be a problem for children or people who are already * Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with ill. corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances.

Q: Don't all chemicals cause cancer? Respiratory Protection A: No. Most chemicals tested by scientists are not cancer- IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. causing. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, Q: Can men as well as women be affected by chemicals that requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing, and cause reproductive system damage? medical exams, as described in the OSHA Respiratory A: Yes. Some chemicals reduce potency or fertility in both Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). men and women. Some damage sperm and eggs, possibly leading to birth defects.

THORIUM DIOXIDE page 4 of 6

Q: Who is at the greatest risk from reproductive hazards? ------A: Pregnant women are at greatest risk from chemicals that The following information is available from: harm the developing fetus. However, chemicals may affect the ability to have children, so both men and New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services women of childbearing age are at high risk. Occupational Health Service PO Box 360 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Trenton, NJ 08625-0360 (609) 984-1863 Q: What acute health effects will I get from radiation (609) 984-7407 (fax) exposure? A: Exposure over a short period of time to high doses of Web address: http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/odisweb/ ionizing radiation (500 rads) can cause severe tissue necrosis and death. Industrial Hygiene Information Industrial hygienists are available to answer your questions Q: Can I get long-term effects without even having short- regarding the control of chemical exposures using exhaust term effects? ventilation, special work practices, good housekeeping, good A: Yes. The long-term effect of acute radiation exposure hygiene practices, and personal protective equipment including includes an increased risk of cancer. respirators. In addition, they can help to interpret the results of industrial hygiene survey data. Q: What are my chances of getting sick when I have been exposed to radioactive chemicals? Medical Evaluation A: The likelihood of becoming sick from radioactive If you think you are becoming sick because of exposure to chemicals increases as the amount of exposure increases. chemicals at your workplace, you may call personnel at the This is determined by the length of time and the amount Department of Health and Senior Services, Occupational of radiation to which someone is exposed. Health Service, who can help you find the information you need. Q: When are higher exposures more likely? A: Higher radiation exposures are limited to workers in the Public Presentations nuclear industry but could become a major hazard to the Presentations and educational programs on occupational health population immediately affected by a major nuclear or the Right to Know Act can be organized for labor unions, disaster. trade associations and other groups.

Q: Do all radioactive chemicals cause cancer? Right to Know Information Resources A: Yes. Ionizing radiation is carcinogenic to all tissues The Right to Know Infoline (609) 984-2202 can answer under appropriate conditions. questions about the identity and potential health effects of chemicals, list of educational materials in occupational health, references used to prepare the Fact Sheets, preparation of the Right to Know Survey, education and training programs, labeling requirements, and general information regarding the Right to Know Act. Violations of the law should be reported to (609) 984-2202. ------

THORIUM DIOXIDE page 5 of 6

DEFINITIONS

ACGIH is the American Conference of Governmental NAERG is the North American Emergency Response Industrial Hygienists. It recommends upper limits (called Guidebook. It was jointly developed by Transport Canada, the TLVs) for exposure to workplace chemicals. United States Department of Transportation and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation of Mexico. It is a A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. guide for first responders to quickly identify the specific or generic hazards of material involved in a transportation The CAS number is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts incident, and to protect themselves and the general public Service to identify a specific chemical. during the initial response phase of the incident.

CFR is the Code of Federal Regulations, which consists of the NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies regulations of the United States government. substances according to their fire and explosion hazard.

A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will burn. NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves respirators, A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes conducts studies of workplace hazards, and proposes standards irreversible damage to human tissue or containers. to OSHA.

DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests Protection. chemicals and reviews evidence for cancer.

DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, that regulates the transportation of chemicals. which adopts and enforces health and safety standards.

EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal PEL is the Permissible Exposure Limit which is enforceable by agency responsible for regulating environmental hazards. the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

A fetus is an unborn human or animal. PIH is a DOT designation for chemicals which are Poison Inhalation Hazards. A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will ignite easily and burn rapidly. ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a measure of concentration by volume in air. The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air. A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases energy under certain conditions. IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a scientific group that classifies chemicals according to their STEL is a Short Term Exposure Limit which is usually a 15- cancer-causing potential. minute exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a work day. IRIS is the Integrated Risk Information System database of the federal EPA. A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by damaging the fetus. A miscible substance is a liquid or gas that will evenly dissolve in another. TLV is the Threshold Limit Value, the workplace exposure limit recommended by ACGIH. mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air. It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume). The vapor pressure is a measure of how readily a liquid or a solid mixes with air at its surface. A higher vapor pressure A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation is indicates a higher concentration of the substance in air and a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations can therefore increases the likelihood of breathing it in. lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.

page 6 of 6 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> E M E R G E N C Y I N F O R M A T I O N <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Common Name: THORIUM DIOXIDE HANDLING AND STORAGE DOT Number: UN 2909 DOT Hazard Class: 7 (Radioactive) * Prior to working with Thorium Dioxide you should be NAERG Code: 161 trained on its proper handling and storage. CAS Number: 1314-20-1 * A regulated, marked area should be established where Thorium Dioxide is handled, used, or stored. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated

Hazard rating NJDHSS NFPA area. FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated * Radioactive materials emit certain particles that may be REACTIVITY Not Found Not Rated hazardous. These particles can only be detected by special instruments. CARCINOGEN * Contact your local radiation authorities and consult the RADIOACTIVE NRC regulations regarding proper handling and storage of radioactive materials. Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRST AID FIRE HAZARDS For POISON INFORMATION call 1-800-222-1222 * Thorium Dioxide may burn, but does not readily ignite. * Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Eye Contact * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least trained and equipped as stated in the OSHA Fire Brigades 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Standard (29 CFR 1910.156). Skin Contact SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water. If Thorium Dioxide is spilled, take the following steps: Breathing * Evacuate personnel and secure and control entrance to the * Remove the person from exposure. area. * Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if * Use damp methods to control dust. Test for trace levels of breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. radioactivity after clean-up. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Thorium Dioxide as HAZARDOUS RADIOACTIVE WASTE. PHYSICAL DATA Contact your state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), or Water Solubility: Insoluble your regional office of the federal and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES * If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be properly trained and equipped. The OSHA Hazardous Chemical Name: Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (29 Thorium Oxide (ThO2) CFR 1910.120) may apply. Other Names: Thoria; Thorotrast; Thortrast; Umbrathor ======FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire ------department. You can request emergency information from the Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial following: purposes. CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300 ------NJDEP HOTLINE: 1-877-WARN-DEP NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ======SENIOR SERVICES Right to Know Program PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 (609) 984-2202 ------